Hi everyone! Today TNL is interviewing author Cara Cane. She may be a relative newcomer, but she's got a real passion for all kinds of explicit stories.

Why Did You Choose to Self-publish Instead of Taking The Traditional Route?

I have worked with traditional publishers in the past on other projects and was quite often disappointed with the level of input I had with my own book. It can be frustrating when you don't have any control over release dates, book pricing, cover art, titling, or even content. I also couldn't help but feel that traditional publishing was limiting my income. Although exceptions do exist, there is often very little money left over for a traditionally published author once every one else takes their share of the pie.

In contrast, self-publishing offers complete artistic control in addition to more reasonable royalty percentages. I have also found the indie author community to be more welcoming and supportive than any other community I have ever been a part of. I enjoy that kinship.

Did You Set Out To Become an Author as Your Main Profession?

I am SO going to give away my age if I admit this, but here goes. I have wanted to be an author since I was seven years old. Of course, back then, I wanted to write books and solve mysteries just like my hero, the marvelous Jessica Fletcher on Murder She Wrote. (I may have been the only seven year old on the planet who watched that TV show and penned rabid fan letters to Angela Lansbury every week, though I have no proof of that.) It took me another 18 years to get someone to pay me for my writing, but it happened! I have been writing professionally for more than ten years now, and I can't imagine doing anything else.

Which Authors Have Inspired You The Most?

There are so many; it is hard to choose. I have a weakness for fantasy. I love the Harry Potter books and would definitely call JK Rowling my favorite non-erotica writer. Her entire career is inspiring to me. I read a lot of Anne Rice in my youth. Her books definitely helped ignite my passion for dark, sexy writing. To this day, I still read (re-read is probably more accurate) Edgar Allen Poe at least once per month. As far as erotica authors, it is very hard to choose. I am inspired by anyone who can pen an explicit book and make me think back to naughty scenes long after the book is finished. My favorites this month are Jessica Satin's Ravishing of Beauty and C.P Mandara's Pony Tales series.

Tell us about something new you've written.

Vampire Princess Bride is the first book in the Sanguine Erotica series. It tells the story of Bianca, Morvant.

As the daughter of the Vampire King and the heir to the Blood Throne, it is Bianca's duty to marry and carry on the royal family line. The duty is tradition, and since the last uprising, more important than ever before - or so her parents keep telling her. But to Bianca, marriage only means one thing: being forced to choose between her two lovers.

Aspen has noble blood, a kind heart, and a gentle touch that she has grown to love. Dorian comes from the lowest of Sanguini Houses, inspires fear in nearly everyone he meets, and does whatever it takes to rouse her most carnal desires.

With a very public bedding ceremony set to take place before all of the Sanguini, Bianca is expected to choose just one consort to share her kingdom and her bed. The problem is that Bianca loves both of her men equally, and for different reasons.

Neither Aspen nor Dorian wants to let her go, and both are determined to vie for her affections the night before the ceremony. Bianca invites them into her bed, knowing that this night is the last that she will spend with one of them. But as usual, each one pleases a different side of her, and she finds herself more torn than ever before.

What Is Your Favorite Part of This Book, and Why Do You Think Readers Will Enjoy It?

Vampire Princess Bride is an explicit love story with an unforgettable ending.

Where Do You See Self-Publishing Going In The Future?

I expect continue growth for self-publishing in every aspect. It is easier than ever for budding authors to get their work into the hands of readers, which will inevitably lead to more books being published. There is also a whole crop of traditionally published authors who are moving into the self-publishing world as "hybrid" authors.

Readers are increasingly turning to ebooks to satisfy their literary cravings. I truly believe this trend will be an inestimable boon to self-published authors who often concentrate most of their efforts in digital publishing.

I also think that some of the new services cropping up, such as Amazon's Kindle Unlimited, will help to grow readership and marketing opportunities for self-published books.

Who Designed Your Cover Art?

I actually did the cover for Vampire Princess Bride myself using KDP's Cover Creator Tool and an image that I purchased from a photographer/artist.

Do you have anything else you'd like to add or any helpful comments for the other new writers out there?

Your book might still be in your head, waiting to be unleashed. Your book might already be written. But still you hesitate, wondering if you are good enough to be a part of the big, scary publishing world. Don't hesitate. If you learn your craft, work hard, and get that book out there, you can succeed just like the many people who came before you.

You see, those feeling of doubt never go away. I have 16 published books, and every time I send a book to a publisher or publish a book myself, I still expect a note back from someone saying "Are you f***ing serious? This is drivel!" But the fact is that I have never gotten than note, and even if I did, it wouldn't stop me at this point.

Squash your doubt. Spank it hard until it submits. I believe in you, and you should believe in you, too.